To prevent cuts to essential programs, district leaders are considering closing schools and consolidating resources. If closures proceed, Dunbar students would move to Bethune and Heard students to Capitol.

Over the last decade, the district says enrollment has dropped by roughly 2,000 students and “by 2033, enrollment is projected to decline by 14%, further impacting our funding and resources.”

The district cited declining enrollment and "significant budgetary challenges" as reasons why the closures of Heard and Dunbar schools are necessary.

Families in the Phoenix Elementary School District could see two of their schools close by the end of the school year.

The district held its first of four public hearings on the proposed school closures on Tuesday night, where the reaction was mixed.